5 Tips You Need To Know When Walking Your Dog In The Heat

Summer is here and the weather is warm.

Your dog still needs exercise but it is important to be cautious when taking your dog out for a walk or run.

Check out our helpful tips to walking your dog during the hot months of the summer:

1. Water – Always have water available for your dog on a walk. Keep in mind your dog’s fur coat leads to heat exhaustion and extreme thirst. You can find foldable dog bowls and bring a water bottle along to provide water for your dog frequently.
2. Overheating – Watch for signs your dog may be overheating. Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, or weakness are all signs your pet is overheating. Bring your dog to a cool environment as soon as possible and stop any exercise.
3. Grass – Keep your dog in a grassy area or anywhere the ground won’t heat up. Pavement can rise to extreme temperatures and will burn the bottoms of your dog’s feet.
4. Hottest Hours – Avoid any extended walks during the hot heat hours of the day; primarily between 1-4pm. Take walks in the mornings or evenings, before or after you are at work.
5. Clean Up – It is important to make sure you are cleaning up after your pet. Bring a plastic bag to pick up any waste your dog makes along your walk. You wouldn’t want someone else letting their pet use your yard as a bathroom, so be courteous and clean up after your dog.

How do you keep your dog cool on walks? Comment on our blog to let us know!